El DeBarge Arrested for Drug Possession

El DeBarge Arrested for Drug Possession

El DeBarge charged with intent to sell, released on $30,000 bail.

Published March 21, 2012

El DeBarge was arrested for drug possession in a city just outside of Los Angeles, CA yesterday (March 20) reports TMZ.

Police officers witnessed the troubled singer engaged in a drug deal with a man near the 101 Freeway. DeBarge was taken in for possession of narcotics with an intent to sell. This is the third time the R&B singer has been arrested on drug charges since 2001 and comes just a year after he canceled his comeback to check into rehab.

As previously reported, DeBarge was planning to end his 16 year musical hiatus in February 2011 when he was slated to open a tour for Kem and Ledisi on Feb. 14, 2011. Instead, he pulled out from the concert series and entered rehab just three days before he was supposed to hit the stage. He released a statement apologizing for the last-minute decision.

"I hate to disappoint my fans but it is necessary for me to take the time to work on me so that I may continue to share my music and my story with everyone," stated DeBarge. "I thank everyone in advance for their prayers and well wishes and hope that you will respect my privacy during this time."

The 49-year-old star, who did over a year in prison back in 2008 as a result of his drug abuse, was interviewed for the "BET 30" special, where he spoke about his struggle with heroin and crack. He also performed with Wale and Rick Ross at the 2011 BET Hip Hop Awards, filling in for Jeremih on the Maybach Music Group hit "That Way."

DeBarge was booked and released on $30,000 bail and is due back in court next month. BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.